The search has begun to create more than 700 ‘Multiply Ambassadors’ in West Yorkshire to help local residents tackle their fears around numeracy.
A report issued last year showed an estimated 750,000 people in West Yorkshire – around 52% of adults – were found to be at entry level or below in numeracy.
To help address that skills shortage and eliminate fears around numeracy, a new fully-funded ambassador campaign has been launched by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, in conjunction with leading training provider Realise.
The network of ambassadors across Kirklees, Calderdale, Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield will be responsible for supporting and advising West Yorkshire residents to tackle their maths anxieties and refer residents to the best training programme to suit their needs.
Employees and volunteers of organisations who deal directly with West Yorkshire residents – such as local authorities, housing associations, libraries, charities and food banks – are being targeted as ideal candidates to become Multiply Ambassadors.
Caroline Williams, a quality business partner at Realise, said: “Anxieties around numeracy is a real problem around the UK and West Yorkshire is one area in which decisive action is being taken to help address the issues.
“We are delighted to be leading the training for the campaign to create ambassadors and help increase confidence and change mindsets around numeracy amongst local people, as well as drive greater career and employment prospects for West Yorkshire residents to support the growth of an inclusive economy.
“The ambassador will not only enhance their own career development by taking the role but will also have the opportunity to enhance the lives of residents across West Yorkshire.
“We’ve already got more than 100 ambassadors ready to be signed up and we expect that number to continue to grow significantly as we head into the new year.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about being a Multiply Ambassador can contact Caroline on Caroline.Williams@realisetraining.com
Training for a Multiply Ambassador will be completed across six hours, which can be delivered flexibly in person – including in the individual’s workplace – or online and over one or more days.
Any business that allows one of its employees to attend Multiply Ambassador training will receive compensation up to the value of £100 for their time out of the workplace.
